Leinster Hope To ‘Basque’ In Glory

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Leinster Head Coach Leo Cullen has named their starting XV for tomorrow’s ERC European Champions Cup Final against French side Racing 92 in the Basque country.

In Bilbao, Isa Nacewa will captain the side in his final European game for Leinster, with the Fijian international due to retire in the summer. Nacewa will start on the left wing at the Estadio San Mames.

On the opposite wing Jordan Larmour makes his third start in six Champions Cup games this season, while Rob Kearney continues at full back.

In the centre Robbie Henshaw is partnered by Garry Ringrose.

Luke McGrath returns from ankle injury to take his place in the half backs where he will be joined by Johnny Sexton.

In the pack Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong are the props with Seán Cronin, winning his 50th European cap, selected at hooker.

Devin Toner starts in the second row with James Ryan beside him.

In the back row it’s the same trio that accounted for Scarlets in the Semi-Final with Scott Fardy, Dan Leavy and Jordi Murphy completing the starting XV.

On the bench Rhys Ruddock has shaken off a hamstring injury to take his place in the match day 23 for the first time since the Saracens game.

Leinster XV – ERC European Champions Cup Final. May 12 2018 – Bilbao

 

15. Rob Kearney
14. Jordan Larmour
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Isa Nacewa Captain
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Luke McGrath

1. Cian Healy
2. Seán Cronin
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. James Ryan
6. Scott Fardy
7. Dan Leavy
8. Jordi Murphy

16. James Tracy
17. Jack McGrath
18. Andrew Porter
19. Rhys Ruddock
20. Jack Conan
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Joey Carbery
23. Rory O’Loughlin

Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)

5.45pm kick off (local time)